Speaker of the House Elise Archer big winner in Premier Will Hodgman’s Cabinet reshuffle

UPDATED: PREMIER Will Hodgman says he is firmly committed to ensuring equal female representation in the Liberal Party. WATCH THE VIDEO

UPDATE: PREMIER Will Hodgman says he is firmly committed to ensuring equal female representation in the Liberal Party.

Mr Hodgman was questioned over his decision not to promote more women to Cabinet in this morning’s reshuffle, which was forced by the weekend resignation of Liberal MHA Matthew Groom.

Speaker Elise Archer has been elevated to Minister for the Arts, Justice, Corrections and Environment and Parks, but replaces Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin — who has resigned because of ill health — as one of only two women in the eight-member Cabinet.

“I have set for my party a target to have equal representation in our parliament and in our party and that’s something we are firmly committed to,” Mr Hodgman said.

Premier Will Hodgman unveils his new Cabinet as big winner Elise Archer looks on. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Mr Hodgman pointed out it was he who appointed Ms Archer as the state’s first female speaker as well as Tasmania’s first female governor Kate Warner.

He said Ms Goodwin had been an important part of the State Government.

“We will continue to ensure that women play an important role in government, we are committed to that,” he said.

Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma has kept her role and remains in Cabinet.

Bass Liberal MHA Sarah Courtney remains as parliamentary secretary alongside Braddon MHA Roger Jaensch.

Braddon MHA Joan Rylah has been nominated as Chair of Committees and Government Whip, while the Liberals’ only remaining Legislative Councillor, Leonie Hiscutt, becomes Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.

EARLIER: SPEAKER Elise Archer is the big winner from a Cabinet reshuffle following the sudden resignation of Matt Groom.

Premier Will Hodgman this morning announced Ms Archer would take over the roles of Minister for Justice, Corrections, Environment, Parks and the Arts.

Former Speaker in the House of Assembly Elise Archer has been given the portfolios of Justice, Corrections, Environment, Parks and the Arts. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Mark Shelton will be the Government’s nominee for the Speaker’s role.

Mr Hodgman will take over the responsibilities as Attorney-General, while Treasurer Peter Gutwein add the State Growth portfolio to his current responsibilities.

Premier Will Hodgman speaks to reporters while outgoing Minister Matthew Groom and his family wait in the wings at the shock announcement of his retirement from state politics. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Guy Barnett has been appointed Energy Minister in addition to retaining his roles as Minister for Building and Construction and Minister for Resources.

Leonie Hiscutt will become the Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.

Mr Hodgman said the new Cabinet would be sworn in on Monday.

Who’s who in Cabinet WILL HODGMAN Premier Attorney-General Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister for Heritage Minister for Sport and Recreation Minister for Tourism, Hospitality and Events PETER GUTWEIN Treasurer Minister for Planning and Local Government Minister for State Growth JEREMY ROCKLIFF Deputy Premier Minister for Education and Training Minister for Primary Industries and Water Minister for Racing GUY BARNETT Minister for Building and Construction Minister for Resources Minister for Energy MICHAEL FERGUSON Minister for Health Minister for Information Technology and Innovation Leader of Government Business ELISE ARCHER Minister for Justice Minister for Corrections Minister for Environment and Parks Minister for the Arts RENE HIDDING Minister for Infrastructure Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management JACQUIE PETRUSMA Minister for Human Services Minister for Women LEONIE HISCUTT Leader of Government Business in the Upper House NOMINEE FOR SPEAKER Mark Shelton CHAIR OF COMMITTEES Joan Rylah

He said Attorney-General Vanessa Goodwin had now resigned form her roles because of serious illness.

“It is with great sadness I announced her resignation from Cabinet,” he said.

“She does continue to battle her serious illness with great courage and resolve.”

Embattled Minister for Human Services Jacquie Petrusma has retained her job, while no position was found for former Mining and Racing Minister Adam Brooks.

Mr Hodgman said the changes would ensure stable government in the lead-up to the election, due by March next year

“We are a Government that responds well to challenges, and Tasmania is now in a better position than when we came to Government three and a half years ago.

“There is much more to do, and we all are focused on and committed to providing strong, stable majority Liberal Government to deliver our long-term plan for Tasmania.”

Ms Archer said her elevation was a great honour, but the timing was tinged with sadness.

“Today is also a bittersweet day, with the news that my friend and colleague Vanessa Goodwin will shortly resign and I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution she has made to the community.

“I will work hard every day to live up to the example set by her.

“I have sought to serve my community for the past 10 years, both as an alderman and as the Liberal Member for Denison, and I believe that being a Minister is the pinnacle of community service for any elected representative.”

Mr Gutwein welcomed his new role.

“I am incredibly honoured to accept the position of Minister for State Growth following the Premier’s announcement today,” he said.

“I see State Growth as one of the key portfolios in Government and I see this as a huge opportunity to turbo-charge the Tasmanian economy.

“Matthew Groom leaves a strong legacy that I will work hard to build on.”